Conservation of orbital symmetry

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002458",
  "term": "Conservation of orbital symmetry",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A principle stating that in a concerted reaction, the symmetry of the molecular orbitals of the reactants must correlate with the symmetry of the molecular orbitals of the products. This principle, often applied through Woodward-Hoffmann rules, predicts the stereochemical outcome and feasibility of pericyclic reactions. It explains why certain reactions proceed readily while others are forbidden.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "orbital symmetry",
    "reaction path",
    "transformation"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1999, 71, 1919. 'Glossary of terms used in theoretical organic chemistry' on page 1931 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199971101919)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/conservation-of-orbital-symmetry/"
}